Intra-nasal air filtration devices and methods

ABSTRACT

An intra-nasal air filtration device includes a filter material. The filter material is sized to fit a nasal vestibule of a user, is resilient such that it expands after compression for insertion into the nasal vestibule, and blocks passage of airborne particles while permitting passage of air during inhalation by the user. The filter material preferably includes a plurality of synthetic fibers. In some embodiments, the filter material has a density and texture similar to that of a natural sea sponge. In some embodiments, particles of activated charcoal are bonded to the fibers and a synthetic fabric is bonded to at least a portion of an outer surface of the synthetic fibers. A method of manufacturing an intra-nasal air filtration device, a method of filtering airborne particles from an air stream, and a method of enhancing breathing of an individual are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention pertains to the field of air filters. More particularly,the invention pertains to a breathing air filter placed in anintra-nasal cavity of the user.

2. Description of Related Art

Air filter devices for mitigating breathing in environments containingdust, dirt, allergens, airborne pathogens, and other airborne impuritiesare known in the art. Dust masks and other external devices provideprotection to the user but can limit the user's ability to work in theenvironment. For example, dust masks commonly direct exhalation gases toa user's eyeglasses, causing them to fog temporarily.

Conventional air filters mounted substantially in the nasal vestibulesavoid these problems but they can be uncomfortable and difficult to fitproperly and can reduce the airflow capacity of the nostrils. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,820, issued Jun. 2, 1992 to Robitaille,discloses a cylindrical intra-nasal filter of a synthetic spongymaterial, where a vacuum is required to compress the materialsufficiently for proper insertion into the nostril, but no furtherdetails on the material composition are provided. U.S. Pat. No.6,971,387, issued Dec. 6, 2005 to Michaels, discloses a personal airpurifier of two foam semi-cylinders connected by a flexible band toprevent over-insertion and to aid in removal. There is a need in the artfor an intra-nasal air filter that is comfortable to wear and iseffective at removing airborne particles without inhibiting airflowduring both intake and exhalation when breathing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An intra-nasal air filtration device includes a filter material. Thefilter material is sized to fit a nasal vestibule of a user, isresilient such that it expands after compression for insertion into thenasal vestibule, and blocks passage of airborne particles whilepermitting passage of air during inhalation by the user. The filtermaterial preferably includes a plurality of synthetic fibers. In someembodiments, the filter material has a density and texture similar tothat of a natural sea sponge. In some embodiments, particles ofactivated charcoal are bonded to the fibers and a synthetic fabric isbonded to at least a portion of an outer surface of the syntheticfibers. A method of manufacturing an intra-nasal air filtration device,a method of filtering airborne particles from an air stream, and amethod of enhancing breathing of an individual are also disclosed.

In one embodiment, the intra-nasal air filtration device includes afilter material including a plurality of synthetic fibers. The filtermaterial is sized to fit a nasal vestibule of a user and is resilientsuch that the filter material expands toward an original shape aftercompression. The filter material blocks passage of airborne particleswhile permitting passage of air therethrough during inhalation by theuser.

In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing an intra-nasal airfiltration device includes manufacturing a plurality of synthetic fibersinto a shape sized to fill a nasal vestibule of a human user.

In yet another embodiment, a method of filtering airborne particles froman air stream includes placing a filter device including a plurality ofnon-woven, open mesh nylon fibers in a conduit and driving the airstream through the conduit.

In another embodiment, a method of enhancing breathing of an individualincludes sizing a plurality of synthetic fibers such that the fibersfill a nasal vestibule of the individual and expand a portion of a nasalpassage of the individual. The method also includes placing theplurality of synthetic fibers in the nasal vestibule of the individual.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an air filter in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the air filter of FIG. 1 fittedinside a nose.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an air filter with activated charcoalbonded to the fibers and fabric bonded to the ends in an embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A device of the present invention provides air filtration to a userduring breathing inhalation through the nose while being comfortable towear and not impeding the user's ability to see, move, breathe, talk, orwork while using the device. The device is easily placed securely in thenostril, is readily adjusted for a desired fit, and may be cleaned andre-used to extend its use. The device preferably expands the nasalpassage when properly placed in the nose without inhibiting airflowthrough the nostril and may reduce or eliminate snoring during theuser's sleep.

As used herein, “nostrils” refers to the external orifices of the nose,“nasal vestibules” refers to the most anterior parts of the nasalcavity, specifically the void space formed by the cartilages of the noseand accessible by the nostrils, and “nasal passages” refers to the airpassages connecting the nasal vestibules to the upper part pharynx.

As used herein, “manually compressible” refers to the ability of amaterial to be compressed between adult human fingers.

As used herein, “synthetic fibers” refers to man-made materials that arecontinuous filaments or are in discrete elongated pieces. Syntheticfiber materials include, but are not limited to, petrochemical-basedmaterials, cellulose-based materials, including rayon, modal, andLycocell, fiberglass, carbon fibers, and polymer fibers, including, butnot limited to, nylon, polyamide nylon, polyethylene terephthalate(PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), phenol-formaldehyde (PF),polyvinyl alcohol fiber (PVA), polyvinyl chloride fiber (PVC),polyolefins, including polypropylene and polyethylene, acrylicpolyesters, aromatic polyamids, elastomers, and polyurethane.

An intra-nasal air filter device of the present invention preferably isformed to provide a secure fit when placed in the user's nostril, iscomfortable for several hours of consecutive use, opens the nasalpassages to allow a large volume of airflow, is cleanable and reusable,is easily installed and removed, and mitigates snoring in the user.

The device includes a filter material, which is preferably a pluralityof fibers formed in a cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the fibersare synthetic. The filter material preferably easily compresses to allowquick placement in the nostril. When properly placed, the devicepreferably extends from the entrance of the nasal vestibule to a portionof the nasal passage. The fibers are preferably resilient, returning totheir original size and shape after compression. After compression andplacement in the nasal vestibule, the device expands to fit the contoursof the nasal vestibule and gently enlarges the contact areas of thenasal passages. This radial expansion promotes a snug fit and enhancedbreathing. In one embodiment, a method of enhancing breathing of anindividual includes sizing a plurality of synthetic fibers such that thefibers fill a nasal vestibule of the individual and expand a portion ofa nasal passage of the individual. The method also includes placing theplurality of synthetic fibers in the nasal vestibule of the individual.

The fibers trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. Normalbreathing through the nose with the device in place promotes a partialcleaning of the filter material with each exhalation. Specifically, someof the airborne particles blocked by the filter material during aninhalation are subsequently expelled during an exhalation. If, uponcontinued use of the device, enough airborne particles remain in thefilter material such that the airflow capacity begins to decrease, thedevice may be removed from the nose, cleaned, and returned to the nosefor continued use. Methods of cleaning the device include, but are notlimited to, applying a disinfectant to the device and washing the devicewith soap and water.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter material is a synthetic fibermaterial marketed as Norton® BEAR-TEX® 54-LINE plus floor maintenancepads, #57601, manufactured by Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.(Stephenville, Tex.). In a preferred embodiment, devices of the presentinvention are die-cut from such a floor maintenance pad. The floormaintenance pads are currently manufactured for use in high glossbuffering or burnishing of floors and are sold as cylindrical diskshaving a thickness of about one inch and a diameter of about 15½ inchesand weighing about 2.7 ounces. The pads have a bulk density of about0.00693 pounds per cubic inch in an uncompressed state. In otherembodiments, the synthetic fibers have a bulk density between about0.006 and about 0.008 pounds per cubic inch in an uncompressed state.The fibers are manually compressible to about ⅛^(th) of their thicknessand return to more than 90% of their original thickness within onesecond of removal of a manual compression force. The fibers are fairlydense so as to be able to expand the nasal cavity but not coarse orabrasive. Consequently, they are comfortable in the nostril. Thematerial preferably has an open mesh construction of a non-woven web ofnylon fibers and is preferably non-loading. In some embodiments, thesynthetic fibers may be loaded or mixed with one or more non-fibrousmaterial, including, but not limited to, an abrasive material, activatedcharcoal, or a fragrant material.

In a preferred embodiment, the intra-nasal air filtration deviceconsists of only the filter material including the plurality ofsynthetic fibers and optionally one or more non-fibrous material. Inthis embodiment, there is no covering such as a plastic housing and nonose clip or other auxiliary structure to keep the device in placeduring use.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the device includesparticles of activated charcoal and an outer layer of fabric. In someembodiments, the filter material is the same as the filter materialpreviously described. In other embodiments, the filter material is aknown air filter material. In one embodiment, the filter material is anon-woven polyester material incorporating activated charcoal availablefrom Air Filters, Inc. (Houston, Tex.). The activated charcoal may bebonded to or trapped in the filter material.

The activated charcoal mitigates airborne odors and absorbs smoke duringuse. In some embodiments, the fabric is synthetic. The fabric maycompletely encase the fibers and particles of activated charcoal orcover primarily only the ends of the device.

FIG. 1 shows an intra-nasal filter device 14 in a first embodiment ofthe present invention. The filter 14 has a generally cylindrical shapesized and is proportioned to fit snugly but comfortably in a human nasalvestibule. The cylindrical body of the filter 14 is made of a filtermaterial 16, which blocks or captures airborne particles but does notimpede airflow. The filter material is preferably a plurality ofresilient synthetic fibers.

FIG. 2 shows the filter 14 positioned in a nostril 12 of the nose 13.The filter is preferably designed to be placed in a single nostril withseparate filters being placed in each nostril to provide filtrationduring breathing. The filter preferably extends from just outside thenostril 12 through the nasal vestibule 11, terminating at the nasalpassage 10 when properly sized and positioned. In one embodiment, thefilter is about one inch in length and three-eighths of an inch indiameter. In another embodiment, the filter is about one inch in lengthand half an inch in diameter.

Each filter device of the present invention may be directly insertedinto each nostril by pushing the filter device into position by the userwith the user's fingers. Alternatively, each filter device may betwisted or pulled prior to insertion or after insertion to adjust itsposition for a comfortable fit. The filters may be compressed slightlyby rolling the length of the fiber cylinder between the thumb andforefinger prior to insertion into the nasal vestibule. The fibersreturn to substantially their full original size, preferably within afew minutes or less. In some embodiments, the fibers revive to at least90% of their original size within a few seconds or less. Once in place,the filter gently presses the contact areas of the nostril, the nasalvestibule, and the nasal passage to provide a firm placement that is noteasily disturbed by the process of breathing through the nose.Additionally, the filter preferably expands the nasal passage, allowinggreater volumetric flow of air during inhalation and exhalation.

FIG. 3 shows an intra-nasal air filter device 114 in a second embodimentof the present invention. Small particles of activated charcoal 100 arebonded with or trapped by the filter material 116 of the filter 114. Thefilter material 116 may be the same as the filter material 16 in thefirst embodiment or may be a different material within the spirit of thepresent invention. A light fabric of cloth 101 preferably covers or isbonded to one or both of the ends of the cylinder. The activatedcharcoal mitigates airborne odors and absorbs smoke, and the clothprevents inhalation of loose charcoal particles during use of the airfilter device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the filter device is sizedto fit the nostril of the user. For example, the device may come insmall, medium, and large sizes. In some embodiments, the device is notcylindrical in shape but instead is contoured to the shape of the nasalvestibule to provide a substantially uniform fit along the length of thevestibule. Filters of the present invention may alternatively havetetrahedral, conical, cubical, rectangular, or spherical shapes,although cylindrical shapes appear to provide the most comfortable fit.In some embodiments, one end of the device is designed to be placed ator near the entrance to the nasal passage and is formed to be able toapply enough pressure to the nasal passage walls to widen the nasalpassage for better airflow through the nasal passage.

Any material having the following characteristics may be used in adevice of the present invention within the spirit of the presentinvention. The material prevents airborne particles, particularly dust,from entering the nasal passage while permitting airflow. Preferablematerials include synthetic fibers with a high enough fiber density toblock airborne particles but a low enough fiber density to minimallyreduce airflow to the nasal passage. The material is resilientlycompressible for placement into, maintenance in, and removal from thenasal vestibule. In a preferred embodiment the material is manuallycompressible with the fingers without the use of any vacuum ormechanical tool to remove void space to compress the fibers forinsertion into the nose. The material is also flexible enough to becomfortable in the nose for long periods of time.

Although the filter materials described herein have been described foruse in intra-nasal air filtration devices, the materials may be used forfiltration of any air stream flowing through any conduit within thespirit of the present invention.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of theinvention herein described are merely illustrative of the application ofthe principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of theillustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of theclaims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential tothe invention.

1. An intra-nasal air filtration device comprising a filter materialcomprising a plurality of synthetic fibers, wherein the filter materialis sized to fit a nasal vestibule of a user, wherein the filter materialis resilient such that the filter material expands toward an originalshape of the filter material after compression, and wherein the filtermaterial blocks passage of airborne particles while permitting passageof air therethrough during inhalation by the user.
 2. The intra-nasalair filtration device of claim 1, wherein the filter material has asubstantially cylindrical shape and wherein the device includes nocovering for the filter material.
 3. The intra-nasal air filtrationdevice of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of activated charcoalparticles bonded to the plurality of synthetic fibers.
 4. Theintra-nasal air filtration device of claim 3 further comprising a fabriccloth covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the filtermaterial.
 5. The intra-nasal air filtration device of claim 4, whereinthe fabric cloth comprises a synthetic fabric material.
 6. Theintra-nasal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the device iscleanable to remove airborne particles from the filter material andreusable.
 7. The intra-nasal air filtration device of claim 1, whereinthe synthetic fibers are made of a material selected from the groupconsisting of: a petrochemical-based material, a cellulose-basedmaterial, rayon, modal, Lycocell, fiberglass, carbon, a polymer fiber,nylon, polyamide nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutyleneterephthalate, phenol-formaldehyde, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylchloride, a polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene, an acrylicpolyester, an aromatic polyamid, an elastomer, and polyurethane.
 8. Theintra-nasal air filtration device of claim 1, wherein the syntheticfibers are non-woven, open mesh nylon fibers.
 9. The intra-nasal airfiltration device of claim 8, wherein the nylon fibers have a densitybetween about 0.006 and about 0.008 pound per cubic inch in anuncompressed state and are manually compressible to at least ⅛^(th) oftheir thickness in the uncompressed state.
 10. The intra-nasal airfiltration device of claim 8, wherein the nylon fibers are formed suchthat the nylon fibers return to a thickness that is at least 90% of thethickness of the nylon fibers in an uncompressed state within one secondof removal of a manual compression force.
 11. A method of manufacturingan intra-nasal air filtration device, the method comprising the step ofmanufacturing a plurality of synthetic fibers into a shape sized to filla nasal vestibule of a human user.
 12. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising the step of bonding a plurality of active charcoal particlesto the synthetic fibers.
 13. The method of claim 12 further comprisingthe step of bonding a synthetic fabric to at least a portion of an outersurface of the plurality of synthetic fibers.
 14. The method of claim11, wherein the plurality of synthetic fibers are non-woven, open meshnylon fibers having a density between about 0.006 and about 0.008 poundper cubic inch in an uncompressed state.
 15. A method of filteringairborne particles from an air stream, the method comprising the stepsof: a) placing a filter device comprising a plurality of non-woven, openmesh nylon fibers in a conduit; and b) driving the air stream throughthe conduit.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the filter devicecomprises an intra-nasal air filtration device, the conduit comprises anostril of a user, and the air stream comprises an inhalation breath ofthe user.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the filter device is sizedto fit the nasal vestibule of the user, wherein the plurality ofsynthetic fibers is resilient such that the synthetic fibers expandafter compression for insertion into the nasal vestibule, and whereinthe synthetic fibers block passage of airborne particles whilepermitting passage of air therethrough during inhalation by the user.18. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps of compressingthe filter device prior to step a).
 19. The method of claim 15 furthercomprising the steps: c) removing the filter device from the air stream;d) cleaning the filter device; and e) re-placing the filter device inthe conduit.